Chapter 141: Taking The Dive

A week after [A Maddened Wonderland] had rounded up filming, the Emmie nominations were announced to the general public.

Unsurprisingly, [Rink] happened to have been nominated for several categories, the most prominent of it being the ’Outstanding Television Movie’, ’Outstanding Lead Actor’, ’Outstanding Writing’ and ’Outstanding Directing’ awards.

Of course, it also happened to have another one of its actors nominated for another important category.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.

Seeing Niall’s name in said category was met with a favorable response from the general public and several Hollywood infotainment enthusiasts.

As for those who happened to not be so enthused by it, well it went without saying that they were in the severe minority.

Of these, was unsurprisingly Louis Hoffman.

To say he was well aware just why Niall had been nominated instead of him, would be an understatement to say the least.

But as usual, that didn’t stop his deep-rooted envy from blooming into being.

For someone who hadn’t cared much for his role as Titus Burn in the movie though, he sure was having quite the sour day as he ego-searched the internet.

Having at least expected majority of his fans to be on his side, he stumbled yet again upon another recent TweetTalk post that was anything but so.

Granted it was a relatively lively post with 96K views, 8.9K likes, 5.2K retweets and just a little over a hundred comments in the past six hours, most denizens remained unequivocally on the same page about Niall’s nomination.

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Brendan Biellman: You know, I’d be pretty disappointed if Niall doesn’t win that award. No shade to the other nominees, but c’mon. We all know there’s no competition this time.

ILoveBurningSims: I agree @Brendan Biellman. I can at least trust the Emmies to be more transparent as opposed to the Oskars. It’s a freaking popularity contest over there.

Brownie Points Stealer: Niall wins or we riot! Come to think of it, this is Niall’s very first award ceremony, ain’t it? That’s rather interesting I won’t lie.

Right Nut Left: That’s what happens when you have a celebrity who couldn’t give two shits about award ceremonies @ Brownie Points Stealer. I’d even bet my only nut Murray was the one that dropped his name (EDIT: It’s a joke, guys. Of course, I wouldn’t bet my nut! I’m not that stupid!).

Danny Boi: That’s debatable @Right Nut Left. Been seeing some bullshit that Louis should’ve been nominated instead though. Respectfully... Louis who??? Did Louis become a professional, Olympic-level figure-skater just for a single movie? C’mon guys! Make this shit make sense!

: Been a big fan of Louis since his earlier works before the [Syndicate] franchise @Danny Boi; and even I have to admit that even though he was great in [Rink], I would’ve been concerned if he had been nominated instead of Niall. Bro was literally one of the best parts of the movie.

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Triggered by the last two comments, Louis soon found his green-eyed self dialing up one of his connections who happened just happened to be one of the active members of the academy governing the awards.

No sooner had the man picked up, he went straight to the point;

"Hello, Micah. What would it take for you and your peers to make sure Niall Parker doesn’t win the award in his bracket?"

Meanwhile, as that conversation played out, Paul was busy tracking a most important opportunity for his client, enough that he couldn’t even be bothered to give the Emmie nominations the time of day.

Though Coachella hadn’t forwarded an invite to his talent this time as those in charge had been well-aware that he’d been filming [A Maddened Wonderland], they had invited Midnight Avenues--not as a substitute for Niall though as they had always intended to invite them separately.

Afterall, they were going to be having their own one-hour set, and they also happened to be the most looked forward to performance amongst those meant to perform at the Mojave Tent this year.

That said, Paul knew that if he could land the opportunity he was trying to work out for Niall, it would seriously elevate his music career to new heights.

So, with razor-sharp focus, and an equally clear mind as his frontal cortex worked in overdrive, he kept reviewing through all of the information he had to position his client for said opportunity.

As one would expect, Niall remained unaware of these going-ons.

Instead, he was browsed through a display case, his cool-gray irises searching.

At the same time, a female attendant stood next to him, unaware of whom he was as he he’d outfitted himself with a beanie and a nose mask.

Soon enough, he gestured with a finger as he pointed at the most minimalist of them all, a beautiful sterling silver whose simple design drew attention to the single, tiny centerpiece gem resting on it.

"That one. It’s perfect." Niall’s eyes were filled with loving decisiveness as he rose to his full-height and heaved out a deep breath.

"Yes sir," the attendant smiled cordially as she gently retrieved the engagement ring and gestured to him with a smile;

"This way, please."

Trailing behind her, Niall soon found himself before the counter, his fingers excitedly yet nervously drumming on its frame.

To that, the attendant in charge smiled a bit as she processed the order, a palpable warmth to her voice as she said;

"That’ll be seven thousand, five-hundred dollars, sir."

Retrieving his wallet, Niall gingerly handed over his card.

Within minutes, he was out of the establishment with a little red box in his coat pocket.

Just before he slipped into his vehicle to head home, he stared at the familiar store named ’Rosetta’s Jewels’ just off Downtown Franklin.

It was the very same store his Pa had gotten a ring for his mother.

And even after all these years, the simple thing still gleamed on her fingers like he’d given it to her just yesterday.

Clearly, it was a testament to the authenticity and craftsmanship of their product.

And for a lady like Camille who loved practicality, Niall knew well enough that buying a ring worth millions of dollars wouldn’t sit right with her, hence why he’d gone for the one in his pocket.

"Guess I’m taking the dive as well, Pa." he muttered to himself, his tender smile a mix of simmering assurance yet quiet anticipation.

Staring at his slightly trembling palm for a brief moment, an equally unfamiliar mix of nervous gingerliness to it... the kind he could swear he’d never experienced even before his regression, Niall found himself gently clenching it as he walked over to his vehicle.

Having arrived in Tennessee roughly two hours ago, the evening sun beginning its descent below the horizon, Niall heaved yet another deep breath as he settled into his vehicle and began the drive to Camille’s ranch.

Ten minutes later, his vehicle pulled into the familiar street, and ultimately the familiar path that led up to her farmhouse.

Halfway through, Niall decided to kill the engine as he eased the vehicle to a stop. Then he proceeded to step out.

Having heard the sound of an unfamiliar vehicle, Camille casually stepped onto the porch in clear curiosity... only for her eyes to brighten in genuine surprise as an ecstatic squeal escaped her.

Clearly, Niall hadn’t informed her that he’d be arriving today, and neither had he informed his parents unless she’d have heard of his arrival... or so she believed.

Despite being barefoot, it didn’t stop the her from gingerly running down the gravel path, her cheeks turning the rosiest shade of red.

At the same time, Niall’s steps remained determined as he walked up to her, his confidence rising with every step.

Then, just before the lady could lunge at him as she usually would, Camille watched with widened eyes as Niall smoothly lowered onto one of his knees, his hand retrieving the little red box.

Watching him gently flip it open, the moissanite gemstone catching the rays of the evening sun just right, Camille’s hands slowly covered her mouth in shock, a surge of emotions overwhelming her.

Then, Niall steadied his voice as he spoke, a clear conviction to it;

"I’d like to spend the rest of my life with you, Camille Jones,"

"That is, if you’re willing to as well." he tenderly added, his cool-gray irises reflecting it as well.

By now, the red-haired dame was so overwhelmed, she couldn’t even formulate any form of speech.

So she vigorously nodded her head as she began tearing up, only for her to force out a whispered yes afterwards!

Then, realizing she’d managed to say it nonetheless, she verbalized properly, her voice carrying with it the same tenderness and conviction that Niall’s had;

"Yes!"

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" she continued nodding her head vigorously as Niall found himself tearing up as well, his fingers slipping the ring onto her dainty hands.

No sooner had it settled onto her ring finger, he immediately rose to his feet as he and his fiancée embraced each other in a crushing hug that felt like they were melting into one another.

Then, in the warmth of the tranquil evening glow, the shadowed silhouettes of both figures shared perhaps the sweetest kiss they’d ever had.